ninth inning
Diamond game's end
The ninth inning is the final scheduled inning in a baseball game, making it synonymous with last chances and dramatic finishes.
Figuratively, ninth inning describes any late stage or final opportunity: We're in the ninth inning of budget negotiations.
A ninth-inning rally is a comeback attempt when time is nearly exhausted.
- finalLast and decisive
- last chanceUltimate remaining opportunity
- closerOne who concludes
- bases loadedAll three bases occupied
- strikeoutBatter retired on pitches
walk-off · home run · bottom · two outs · rally · clutch · save · do or die · bullpen · pinch hitter · batter's box · tie game · full count · dugout · scoreboard · relief pitcher · tension · nail biter
- innings
- game periodsquarter, half, period, set, round
- sports idiomsdrop the ball, throw in the towel, slam dunk, out of left field, level playing field
- high-pressure momentsjob interview, final exam, public speaking, deadline, clutch shot
- tiebreakerssudden death, penalty shootout, overtime, tiebreak, penalty kicks
- second halffourth quarter, second act
metaphorical finality
ninth inningstarting gate
Race launch apparatus
day one · opening act · first chapter · early days · square one
ninth, inning, nine, innings, ninety, ninetieth, nineties, nineteen, nineteenth